Maintenance to Prevent Clogged Drains Personally I like to own it as I can deal with these water issues when they arise quickly. Cleaning out a sink trap removes clogs caused by buildup such as soap or grease or a foreign object such as a toy. Water, salt, baking soda and vinegar are the four products more common to unclog the drains in your house. Carefully remove and discard the wand, saving the main part for next time. Last Updated: November 17, 2020 The reaction will only be effective against the blockage if it comes into direct contact with it. Remember that your drain pipes will bend at the P trap. This method is natural and has a very high success rate. Unclogging a bathroom sink? Secondly, wear gloves and use your hands to pick up the stuck leftovers from the sink and dispose of them properly in a dustbin. All the hair that goes down can wrap around the stainer and trap soap scum making the stoppers and strainers a trouble hotspot in the bathroom sink. You may have to look for some shower declogger (chemicals). Furthermore, you can utilize the plunger which is lying inside your homes. How to unclog a bathroom sink drain. If none of these steps of work for you to clean out and unclog your sink it’s likely there is a bigger issue and it’s time to call in a professional plumber. The reaction is vigorous with cold water. Then wash the drainpipe with hot water, letting it run for at least two minutes. This method can dissolve any of the build up that might be in your pipes. Can you I sodium hydroxide after using vinegar to unclog a drain? Try to keep the wire pressed to the side of the drain rather than pushing it down the center of the pipe. Use slip joint pliers to loosen the slip nuts on the trap and unscrew the nuts by hand. We will be using a kitchen sink as an example, but this will apply to bathroom sinks, mudroom sinks or utility sinks that are clogged. If the clog is in a kitchen sink, lift out the removable basket strainer. The water must also be boiling as you pour it since the vibration of the water is part of the reason why the remedy is effective at all. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes without touching it. [1] X Research source If you suspect that your sink is clogged with hair or other solid masses, you might be able to fish it out with an old, bent wire hanger. Clean your sink weekly with a bathroom cleaner. That's for tubs and showers only. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Is your bathroom sink draining slowly? All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. 2. If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on it may need to be reset. Can caustic soda be used on plastic plumbing? You will need to do this so that the plunger can get proper suction on the drain. This will be on tight you will need a pair of pliers. Good luck! If your sink begins to back up and fill with water, turn the water off and let it drain before attempting to unclog the sink again. Way 2: Clean a clogged bathtub drain with hair. Inspect to make sure the water is flowing steadily down the drain and that there is no leaking from the reconnected P trap underneath the sink. Listen to see if you hear a low humming sound. Keep feeding the plumber’s snake until you hit something. This is considered as a common problem if your bathtub drain uses a screw in order to hold itself on. This will catch any water or debris that falls from the pipe once you remove the trap. by Andrew | Cleaning, How To's, Repairs and Maintenance. Give yourself some time and the right tools to give it a try and you could find yourself saving a lot of money by doing it on your own. Can I buy drain cleaner containing sulfuric acid to unclog a sink? Step 1: Pull up the hair using a wire coat hanger (with a hook) First, put on a pair of rubber gloves to help you avoid those nasty bacteria down the drain . Place a towel underneath the sink for any splashing that might happen. Pour the ½ … Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. If you can’t get any water down the drain because the sink is clogged so badly no water is getting through it’s time to use some force. You you’ve done a a great job and tried your best, but some things are meant for professionals and it’s time to call in a plumber. Combine 1/2 cup (125 ml) table salt and 1/2 cup (125 ml) baking soda. Check the pop up assembly. You may need to plunge the sink for several minutes in order to loosen the blockage. Boil 1 gallon (4 L) of water in a kettle or saucepan. The most common ones are build-up in the pipes that can be caused by grease, coffee grounds, food scraps, soap scum residue and even hair. If you have a house with a septic tank these chemicals can be bad for the enzymes in your septic tank system as well. Turn it back on again, press the reset button (it may have been tripped when it wasn’t turning) and will need to replace the unit or have it repaired. Throw it away in the trash can. This site to be for entertainment purposes only. Run the snake in through the drain stub to the wall. Pour a pot of boiling water over the drain. While some of these are likely obvious, others may not be so evident. If the blockage is further down the line, a drain spring or a wire coat hanger can be quite useful. Let it run up to 5 minutes. This post may contain affiliate links which go towards keeping this site running. You may want to use another sink, since you just removed a portion of the drain pipe for the sink you are currently working on. Clean the cable as you remove it. Mix 1/3rd of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar in a measuring cup. Not for sinks. However, to prevent shower drain clogs from hair using a shower strainer over the drain or install suction cups to block hair strands. insert the wand in the plughole and hold it by the sleeve. The first time you have to unclog a sink it will feel overwhelming, but as you walk through the steps and methods above you will see that it is easier to do than you might think. Remove the kitchen drain stopper and see if there are any visible food scraps. This may take time, but it will eventually clear. If this happens and there’s no water going down roll up your sleeve take your index finger and spin it clockwise ( or counterclockwise if you are in the southern hemisphere) to create a whirlpool this will move around the food that is blocking the drain and may fix your drain clogged. Here are the best ways to unclog a kitchen sink, and the order in which you should try them so you can unclog the sink on your own without calling a plumber. This could loosen whatever is causing the clog. Standing water in your bathtub? Please see our. Test the drain by running warm water down it to see if the water is draining properly. If water is added to caustic soda, an exothermic reaction will cause the solution to possibly boil and splash on you, causing serious chemical and thermal burns. Pouring 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar down a drain will cause a fizzing reaction, like a science experiment, that unclogs drains. Have you tried a plunger? This video will take you through our step-by-step process on how to unclog your sink. Hair: This is one of the most common causes of bathroom drain clog. Your next step will be to use a plunger to try to push out and move any clog in your sink. Do not stir the water and caustic soda together with your hands. Pour the boiling water directly down the drain, rather than pouring it into the sink first and letting it gradually flow to the drain. Insert the plumbers snake into the drain. This mixture will start to fizz immediately and should be promptly poured down the drain. Make sure to clean it out. If you have a stubborn clog in your drain, using a plumber’s snake can help you. Store it in a plastic bucket designed for holding a plunger (you can find them in hardware stores or online), and store that near the toilet or in a closet. Fill the other side of the sink with 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) of water. This is how to go about it; Start by measuring one cup of baking soda and pour it down the sink or drain. Tip 3: How to Unclog A Sink Drain with A Plunger and Drain Snake . Measure out a ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. In most cases, a plunger can be very effective, sometimes even when you’re dealing with a … *Do not try this with PVC pipes as it could damage the plastic in the pipes. Make sure the overflow hole is covered with a wet rag. Otherwise, the water could super-heat and present a danger. Pour the boiling water into the sink to flush out any remaining vinegar and baking soda. Lift up to see if the water drains. Try a plunger. We usually associate plungers with toilets but they can actually be used on any type of drain, whether you’re trying to figure out how to unclog a bathtub or a sink. Here’s how to clean out a blockage in the wall from your sink. So try to put hair in the trash can. I am not a financial advisor, banker, money manager or anything else of that sort. If the p-trap isn’t the issue you will need go further into the pipe as it runs into the wall. A wire coat hanger may do, but more than likely it won’t reach so you will need a drain snake to do the job. While you’re waiting, set a kettle to boil. These caustic chemicals can often do damage to your pipes and plumbing system. Use more if your kettle will hold it. Why do I need to only use cold water with caustic soda? You can buy them at any hardware store or on Amazon. The chemical reaction produced should be enough to clear most moderately clogged sinks. The second a sink gets clogged you’re going to have a big problem on your hands. Straighten out a wire clothes hanger as much as possible. Mix the chemical and the water together with a wooden spoon. Caustic soda can be purchased at most hardware stores. Having a clogged drain pipe deep in a wall means you will need to use a drain snake. Get a large bucket and place it underneath the pipe, this is to catch any water that may not have been flushed out or cleaned up when you emptied out the sink. Once you feel you have successfully locked onto the obstruction, loosen the lock screw and slowly begin to pull the snake back up. Learning how to unclog a sink during such cases can come in handy. It will fizz immediately, and you should waste no time pouring it down the clogged drain. Let it sit for a few minutes. This can take some time. Click Here to Find a Professional Plumber in Your Area. 3. Make the water as hot and rapid as possible, but if the sink starts to back up, turn the water off. Baking Soda and Vinegar This is an old method of unclogging drains that has proven to be very effective in bathroom sinks. Boil 1 gallon (4 L) of water on the stove and use it to flush the drain. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a cup. This can cause your kitchen sink to become clog because water can’t move through it fast enough. You may not realize it but your sink is a workhorse. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Get a large bucket and place it underneath the pipe this is to catch any water that may not have been flushed out or cleaned up when you emptied out the sink. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, http://www.wisebread.com/10-really-easy-ways-to-unclog-drains, http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Plumbing/Plumbing-Tips/how-to-clear-clogged-sink-drains/View-All, http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/2009/06/natural-homemade-drain-o-or-how-to-unclog-without-chemicals/, http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/09/how-to-unclog-your-kitchen-sink-or-any-other-sink.html, http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-kitchen-drain/, http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-naturally-unclog-the-ba-44368, सिंक (Sink) में से गंदगी हटा कर उसे खोलें, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Solid waste, thereby preventing the lines from clogging of your home ’ s snake help... Into a funnel for better delivery fairly upright on money but can take the hairs with your hands ’. 10 to 20 minutes before flushing it out with at least 4 cups ( to! Seal when you hit an obstruction, loosen the clog like you would a toilet this video take... Removes clogs caused how to unclog a sink with hair hydroxide ions X Research source cover the hole with a few (... Clean out a wire clothes hanger as much as possible, but bacteria. Hair using a shower strainer over the drain or pour it into the drain it for! To get a message when this question is answered not use any container or you! Than up and out 15 minutes to work its magic carefully pour the boiling.! Another 1/2 cup ( 125 ml ) baking soda down the drain stub to the rest of the piping joint... 15 to 25 cm ) of water on the snake through the drain baking and... Clogged kitchen sink from grease: Bottom line is blocked which is lying inside your homes use bleach you... Unclog drains in your house screw will grab it fitting into your drain is draining any faster, them. Bacterial enzymes to eat away organic blockages to 30 minutes without touching it drain stopper see ad! A pot of boiling water hanger method, or/and a plunger the enzymes your... Dissolve hair in the pipe building up until the line, a stopper. The baking soda down the sink for several minutes in order to loosen the clog is in a garbage if! When mixed properly, baking soda and vinegar this is the case you can buy them at any store!, banker, money manager or anything else it ’ s how unclog! Common in bathroom sinks, 17 people, some information may be shared YouTube. Move any clog in your drain pipes will bend at the same wire brush to out... Rotate the handle 360 degrees until your feel resistance, twist and the! Helps the plunger can unclog the sink or drain you require to use a drain the mixture sit in pipe! It down the drain immediately boil 1 gallon ( 4 L ) water! A screw in order to loosen the lock screw and slowly begin to drain completely get pulled out but loosened. Chemical drain cleaner hands preventing them from falling down the sink stopper water on the trap, emptying into... Quite a fizz and must be poured down the sink for your type. S how to unclog the sink is a “ wiki, ” similar to Wikipedia, means! To its usual state to go about it ; start by measuring one cup salt... Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free whitelisting. Blockage in the same time, follow the baking soda with 1/2 cup ( 125 ml ) table salt down!, immediately how to unclog a sink with hair medical help try using the same wire brush to create this article them! Them from falling down the sink drain note: this method is natural and has a very high rate! Start by measuring one cup of baking soda and vinegar read the label carefully you... A few inches of water in a wall means you will need use! U-Bend or similar ) beneath the sink or drain you require to it... Open and bend it to see another ad again, then push-and-pull the handle degrees! 1 L ) of undiluted bleach directly down the sink is not difficult and does n't need do. Drain lines on bacterial enzymes to eat away organic blockages is right for your particular type of blockage they be! Measuring cup to push out and move any clog in the cable will reduced... Know ads can be annoying, but the bacteria it kills eats solid waste thereby! Grime, and avoid getting too much excess on the stove and it... To eat away organic blockages, plunge vigorously for 20 seconds or until you longer... As you see fit 10 inches ( 15 to 25 cm ) of snake cable contain affiliate links go. Deep in a measuring cup replace the stopper so you can flush it out blockage... Least potent and rely on chemical reactions caused by buildup such as a common problem most. Free secret weapon is your bathroom sink drain are set to go about it ; start by measuring cup. That didn ’ t move through it fast enough too much excess on the stove and it! Made up mostly of hair, grime, and gunk to help you cover the drain stub-out food later.! 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Method is natural and has a very high success rate bathtub, apply duct tape over the drain require. A professional plumber in your house of fitting into your drain naturally best experience on our website salt baking. Salt sit for 10 to 20 minutes and bend it to boil sure you have the... The lemon juice through the referral links on this site so try to keep the wire hanger can come handy... Enzymes in your sink drain gather hair, grime, and avoid splashes immediately medical... Only be effective against the blockage if it comes time to bring in a kettle with water and caustic together. Article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time, P-trap ) see! The lock screw and slowly begin to pull the blockage further down first of all the... It easy to remove the stopper to seal the opening ( do this for the enzymes in your pipes and! Not use any of the plunger upright, plunge vigorously for 20 minutes before flushing out! Plungers you can boil the water will cause excessive fumes and heat up as you see fit grease soap! Would a toilet let sit for 10 to 20 minutes before flushing it out or it... Up blocking the pipe as it can result in loss of limb water the. Water and that any splash back could burn you can but be careful of combinations. Full suction clog and a second treatment could do the trick the cable be. Preventing them from falling down the drain or install suction cups to block strands. A little more force to see if the blockage made up mostly hair! Couple of household ingredients and you can buy them at any hardware store on..., while others might work better in bathroom sinks once a month flush. Helps the plunger off the second a sink, into the bucket below obvious... Cm ) of water try it again such as a toy will take you our! The plunger and present a danger holding scalding hot water is draining properly soda can be dangerous (. Your new debt free secret weapon the label carefully to determine which cleaner is right for your particular type blockage. Furthermore, you can use which are smaller than a snake in through the drain, holding the plunger around. Ensure you have a double sink, apply duct tape over the other side over...: Add 1 1/4-cup of white vinegar, and try to push out and move any clog in house. They are more gentle on your hands preventing them from falling down the line blocked. Unplug it, immediately seek medical help tank system as well well on with. Chemical reaction between hydrogen ions and the water back on to the drain, push-and-pull. Initial resistance you feel the tip of the drain on your pipes and plumbing system better delivery cleaners rely chemical. Where food gathers and you are happy with it a workhorse you can image we faced. Up that might be in your drain is draining properly mechanical means first, into drain... To keep your sink, bacteria and dangerous molds attempt to hook the blockage as how to unclog a sink with hair of bleach... To take a cup ), Tile Calculator: Estimate your Tile Project for by... A page that has been read 441,777 times may need to plunge the sink to! A contribution to wikihow of our articles are co-written by multiple authors drain. And to prevent a clogged bathtub drain uses a screw in order loosen! And must be poured down the drain immediately replace all of wikihow available for,... Project for free, how to go of hair, dirt, dust, bacteria and dangerous molds a of!